Starting My First Business: The Journey of Pixel Gamer LLC

Join me as I embark on the journey of building a small business in an industry I'm passionate about

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Hey there! I’m Jose L. Gonzales Jr., the founder of Pixel Gamer LLC, an e-commerce business dedicated to video games, consoles, graded games, custom modded systems, and gaming merchandise. I also offer video game repair and 3D printing services to help fellow gamers keep their setups running smoothly (Coming Soon).

This blog is my way of sharing my journey—how I started my small business, the lessons I’ve learned, and the challenges I’ve faced (and overcome). Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a gaming enthusiast, or just curious about what it takes to build a business from scratch, you’ll find insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories here.

I’m excited to take you along on this adventure—welcome to the journey!

Pixel Gamer LLC Headquarters!

Turning a Business Concept into Reality

My journey to starting a small business began with something unexpected—taxes. What started as a financial burden soon evolved into a part-time business, allowing me to turn my passion for video games into something more. Along the way, my love for gaming only grew deeper, pushing me to build a business that blends creativity, technology, and community.

Taking the First Step

No matter how your small business journey begins, the hardest part is stepping into the unknown. There’s a sea of companies advertising that they can help you start a business for free or for a small fee, but when you dig deeper, the costs keep adding up. After researching three companies, I found that starting a business through them ranged from $700 to over $1,000 after all the hidden fees and services they pushed.

Instead of spending that money upfront, I took a DIY approach with free and low-cost resources—and you can too!

5 Essential Steps to Starting Your Business

Step 1: Research & Understand Your Industry

Before diving in, know your industry inside and out. Here’s how:

• Conduct market research to understand demand, competition, and trends.

• Watch YouTube videos from experts in your niche.

• Use free resources like the Small Business Administration (SBA).

• Talk to other business owners for real-world insights.

• Create a business plan outlining your goals, target audience, pricing strategy, and marketing approach.

Knowledge is key. The more informed you are, the better decisions you’ll make when starting and growing your business.

Step 2: Utilize Your Small Business Association (SBA)

Do not skip this step! The SBA offers free resources that can save you time and money. They provide guidance on legal paperwork, regulations, and structuring your business properly.

If you don’t know where to start, check out Lyfe Accounting on YouTube. They provide easy-to-understand business information that can help you navigate the basics of setting up a business. (Note: I’m not an affiliate of Lyfe Accounting—I just find their content valuable!)

Step 3: Check Out Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

Many states have Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), which are often funded through the SBA and provide free business assistance. My local SBDC in Wisconsin helped me:

• Create my Articles of Incorporation

• Register for a business license & reseller license

• Navigate state and federal requirements

I worked with an amazing business mentor from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, who guided me through the most important steps to launch my Limited Liability Company (LLC). Thanks to these free resources, I was able to save money and reinvest it into my business.

Step 4: Obtain Your Business Identification Numbers

To operate legally and establish credibility, you’ll need several business identification numbers:

• EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Required for tax purposes and business banking.

• FinCEN ID – Helps with federal compliance.

• D-U-N-S Number – Necessary for establishing business credit and working with wholesalers or e-commerce platforms.

Having these numbers in place will streamline the process of registering with suppliers and marketplaces.

Step 5: Hire a Registered Agent (If You’re E-Commerce Only)

If you’re strictly an e-commerce business with no physical location, you’ll need to hire a registered agent. Here’s why:

• It’s a legal requirement in many states.

• It protects your personal information from being publicly available.

• The registered agent will handle legal correspondence and official business mail.

I use Northwest Registered Agent because they offer a simple setup and cost-effective services. (Note: I’m not an affiliate of Northwest Registered Agent.)

Final Thoughts

I hope this blog gives you a clear roadmap for starting your own small business. By leveraging free resources, doing your research, and making strategic investments, you can get your business off the ground without overspending.

In my next blog, I’ll dive into business finances, covering topics like finding the right business bank account, credit cards, and funding options.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to email me at pixelgamerllc@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more insights, and thanks for joining me on this journey!

In the meantime feel free to check out my store!

Store